The next in the series of For Everyone commentaries, covering Books I and II of the Psalms.

As is consistent with the series, each section (most often each individual psalm, although a few psalms are broken up into multiple sections) is begun with the author's translation, followed by some story or modern example, and then the text is interpreted first in light of its most likely original context and then some suggested applications are made.

Goldingay has otherwise written a massive commentary on Psalms in a scholarly way focusing on the literary-analytical method; he does not approach the For Everyone commentary in the same way. He does well at getting to what is most likely the essential nature/purpose of each psalm and makes appropriate applications. His personal experience of grief and renewal means Goldingay is quite sensitive to the reversals experienced or given voice by the Psalter and addresses them well.

A good introduction to the basic meaning and value of Psalms 1-72.

**--book received as part of early review program ( )